Hip

Anterior Hip Replacement 

As an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip replacement, I choose to perform anterior hip replacement, whenever possible, rather than posterior hip replacement. Anterior hip replacement is performed with an incision on the front side of the hip. Because there are fewer muscles in front of the hip bones, we work between the muscles rather than having to cut them or detach them from the bones. Then we remove the damaged bone and cartilage and replace them with artificial hip components.

With anterior hip replacement patients experience less pain, require less pain meds and recover more quickly. They typically can bend at the hip and walk sooner as well. And, because we have not disturbed the muscles that hold the hip’s ball and socket in place, there is less risk of the hip dislocating post-surgery.

For those patients who are not candidates for anterior hip replacement because of their weight or being extremely muscular, we still perform posterior hip replacement with excellent outcomes.

Hip Revision Surgery

While total hip replacement surgery is highly successful, occasionally issues arise that require hip revision surgery. In any surgery, infection is always a possibility. Infection can occur in the hospital, after you go home, or years later. An infected hip replacement can be painful, and it can cause the implanted hip parts to become loose from the bone. Because antibiotics alone don’t get rid of all the infection, sometimes we need to go inside the hip to wash out the bacteria and replace some or all the parts.

Over time, normal wear and tears can also affect the parts of a hip replacement. Hip replacement parts typically last 10 to 15 years. Excessive wear can occur from high-impact activities and carrying extra body weight. When this occurs hip revision surgery may be required to replace those parts that have worn out. Additionally, a fracture of the hip or dislocation of the hip may also require repairs to be made to the prosthetic parts.

Determining if Hip Replacement Surgery is Right for You

When you schedule an appointment to meet with me, we’ll discuss your history and look at any test results you have. If we need more tests, x-rays or an MRI we’ll schedule those. Before proceeding to surgery, I want to make sure that we’ve exhausted all conservative treatment options. 

Based on your unique condition, I’ll explain the surgery to you so you will know exactly what to expect. It is important to me that I answer all your questions and that you are comfortable making the decision to move forward with surgery.

Ensuring the Success of Your Hip Replacement Surgery

To ensure the success of your hip replacement surgery I follow all the protocols that have been shown to be effective to minimize the possibility of infection. Because of this my infection rate is 1/32 of the national average or 1/4 of one percent.